11: Building Trust and Career Growth in Today’s Organizations | Mary McKone

What happens when learning goes beyond just skills and becomes a true engine for engagement and retention? In this uplifting episode of The Learnit Lounge, host Mickey Fitch-Collins sits down with Mary McKone, Organizational Training & Development leader at The Police Credit Union, to break down the real impact learning and development (L&D) has on employee engagement, retention, and organizational culture. Mary shares behind-the-scenes stories—from winning a disengaged employee back, to building flexible learning strategies that fit hectic schedules—and explains why trust, communication, and inviting employees into the development conversation changes everything.Together, Mickey and Mary cover everything from how L&D teams can be real partners for managers, to leveraging stay interviews, informational interviews, and succession planning as essential L&D tools. Whether you’re an L&D leader, HR pro, or manager eager to proactively boost engagement and retention, this episode delivers actionable ideas, honest truths, and inspiration for building continuous learning—and continuous improvement—into your organization’s DNA.In this episode, you’ll learn:How proactive L&D programs can help retain high-performing but disengaged employees—and the ripple effect this has on teams.The biggest challenges in delivering L&D, why time is always the #1 hurdle, and how to overcome it with creative, flexible solutions.How to leverage exit data, stay interviews, and informational interviews to uncover hidden reasons for turnover—and turn insight into action.Why developing clear career paths and supporting cross-departmental connections is essential for sustainable engagement and succession planning.What it looks like to use L&D as a steadying, supportive force during organizational change or crisis.The uncomfortable truths about leadership development—and why there’s no “magic course” to instantly become a great leader.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to the Learnit Lounge and today’s guest01:49 – Mary’s background and passion for L&D02:19 – Real story: How L&D kept a disengaged employee from leaving05:55 – The challenge of time in L&D and how to flex offerings09:29 – Leveraging exit and stay interviews for retention insight10:39 – The importance of clear career paths and informational interviews13:43 – Building cross-organization connections through L&D15:20 – Succession planning and upskilling for future readiness18:52 – Aligning individual, organizational, and L&D goals21:40 – Using L&D as a proactive, responsive partner in organizational change22:51 – The role of L&D and coaching in crisis situations28:25 – How to spot positive signs of employee engagement and hidden leaders30:11 – Mary’s biggest leadership lesson: why trust is the foundation32:00 – Myth-busting: There’s no “magic” leadership training—real talk from Mary35:59 – Key action steps: Inviting employees to co-create their development37:33 – Connect with Mary and wrap-upAbout Mary MckoneMary McKone leads the Organizational Training and Development department at The Police Credit Union, where she builds and implements impactful learning programs for all levels of staff. With over 18 years at the credit union—spanning frontline service, coaching, and now driving L&D strategy—Mary is passionate about helping employees discover career satisfaction, supporting managers, and making learning accessible even amid busy day-to-day operations. She’s a champion for employee engagement, leadership growth, and bringing a personal touch to development planning.Resources & Mentions:Mary Mckone on LinkedInThe Police Credit UnionLearnit: Learnit.comPodcast Contact Information:Website: www.learnit.comEmail: [email protected] us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more updates.